William Waldorf Astor.
William Waldorf Astor, the capitalist and author, born in New York city, March 31, 1848 is the son of the noted John Jacob and Charlotte Augusta (Gibbs) Astor. He was educated chiefly by private tutors, among whom was a professor of the University of Marburg. At the age of 23 he was taken into the offices of the Astor estate in order to master the details of each department. Recognizing the need of a thorough legal education, he studied for two years in the Columbia Law School, being admitted to the bar in May, 1875. His father being convinced of the son’s exceptional business ability, subsequently gave him absolute control over all of his property. In 1877 Mr. Astor was elected a member of the New York state legislature from the Eleventh Assembly District, defeating the Tammany Hall and the Independent Democratic candidates. In 1879 he was elected to the state senate and in 1881 was nominated for congress in the district formerly represented by Levi P. Morton, but was defeated by Roswell P. Flower. In August, 1882, President Chester A. Arthur appointed Mr. Astor Minister to Italy. While in Rome he spent much time in studying the early history of the country, and on returning home, in 1885, published his novel, Valentino, which embodies his researches in the mediæval history of Italy. His later novel, Sforza, also deals with Italy in the Middle Ages. Mr. Astor has built the New Netherlands hotel, on Fifth avenue and Fifty-ninth street, New York city, and Hotel Waldorf Astoria, the latter on the site of the old Astor residence. In September, 1890, Mr. Astor moved to London, England, where he has entered upon a notable career in journalism. He now owns the Pall Mall Gazette, and has founded the Pall Mall Magazine. He is and has been a stockholder and director in several American railroads. He has other interests outside of his vast real estate holdings. On June 6, 1878, he was married to Mary Dahlgren, daughter of James W. Paul, of Philadelphia, Pa. Mrs. Astor died in 1894.